There’s little question any success the Chiefs have this season hinges on how well quarterback Alex Smith performs.

The Chiefs paid a hefty price in acquiring Smith from San Francisco for a second-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft and a conditional second- or third-round pick in 2014.

Smith led San Francisco to the NFC championship game in 2011 and started the first nine games of the 49ers’ Super Bowl run a year ago, and Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson believes strongly in Smith.

“Ultimately, every team has to have a quarterback,” Pederson said. “I think we have the best in the league.”

“There are a lot of great ones,” Pederson said, “but over time, Alex has proven he can get it done. He’s a sharp guy, he brings a wealth of knowledge, he’s experienced, he’s a proven winner the last couple of years, and he needs a team to embrace him.”